In this episode of the Self Selecting podcast, I dive deep into the nuances of peak week, conditioning, and what it actually means to show up ready. It’s not just about how you want to look — it’s how you stack up next to others. I break down misunderstood feedback terms like “coming in full” vs. “coming in flat,” and explain how to actually interpret and apply this feedback to improve your showing. I also discuss why most athletes are under-muscled, how judging often hinges on who shows up, and how many competitors ruin their look with last-minute changes. You’ll hear the reality behind show-day outcomes, and why cookie-cutter prep plans fail more often than not.

Timestamps:

- [00:00 – 02:57] - Introduction: Expectations vs. reality in show prep

- [02:58 – 05:54] - Why your look is judged next to others, not in isolation

- [05:55 – 08:51] - Interpreting feedback: “Coming in full” and “coming in flat”

- [08:52 – 11:48] - How to assess fullness vs. conditioning as an art

- [11:49 – 14:45] - Should you come in flat or full? Best way to decide

- [14:46 – 17:42] - Most athletes are under-muscled: What that means

- [17:43 – 20:39] - Conditioning wins at amateur level, but depends on competitors

- [20:40 – 23:36] - Shifting standards: It depends on who shows up

- [23:37 – 26:33] - The athlete matters more than the plan

- [26:34 – 29:30] - Last-minute changes that ruin physiques

- [29:31 – 32:27] - The psychology behind “doing more” before show day

- [32:28 – 35:24] - Strategy vs. panic: Why timing matters

- [35:25 – 38:21] - Why you should stop comparing yourself to the pros

- [38:22 – 41:18] - Recap: What makes a prep plan fail or succeed

- [41:19 – 44:24] - Final takeaways: Getting smarter with each prep

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